In support of decades-long drug interdiction programs in Latin America the 22nd MEU has been deployed to Latin America to serve as a tactical asset for the theater commanders in the area.

A rifle squad detachment has been selected to perform a search and destroy mission for a known narcotics manufacturing facility. Aerial reconsecration using forward looking infrared has narrowed the location of the facility to either the town of Staroye or Msta.

Operational Order Date of Execution: 16 July 2016 Time of Execution: 03:00 (19:00 EST)

SituationTime - 16 July 2016 03::00 Local

Task Organization - 1x infantry squad

Area of Interest - AO Gulf consists of primarily rural, moderately wooded terrain. The area contains moderate changes in elevation.

Area of Operation - AO Gulf - AO Gulf includes the area marked in Figure 1. See Figure 1 for a map of the area.

Observation and Fields of Fire - Ingress into the town of Staroye from the North provides ample fields of fire. Hill 336 overlooks the town of Msta and also provides excellent sight lines into Staroye.

Avenues of Approach - The best scheme of maneuver would be a quick movement to occupy the elevation overlooking both of objective towns. Preferably, Staroye would be observed and secured first -- followed by Msta.

Key Terrain - The most critical terrain in AO Gulf is the elevation overlooking both towns.

Cover and Concealment - AO Gulf consists of wide open field-like terrain interspersed by dense forests. Wooded areas in AO Gulf provide ample concealment and light cover to infantry. They also provide ample concealment from observation from the air. Buildings and defilade are the only available cover.

MissionOn order, USMC personnel will utilize vehicles to convoy to a disembark point to be determined. They will maneuver on foot to gain elevation on assumed enemy locations and will engage if they are at an advantage. USMC personnel will destroy equipment and vehicles used in the manufacture of narcotics.